Think back to the days you felt full of life. Try and recollect why they felt good and different. Perhaps it was the day neither you nor the kids threw a tantrum, or maybe it was the day you got out of the house on time. Hold on – it could have been the day your presentation went off like clockwork. You’ll certainly agree that these were probably the days you started on a positive note. Stressed for time and bound by deadlines, it’s easy to get into the rut of going to bed exhausted and waking up irritable. There are, however, 5 simple things you can do to ensure you start each day with a smile.

Plan Ahead

Don’t keep decisions for the morning – plan the previous night. Set up a routine that you can follow. Get your clothes and bag organized. Decide what to make for breakfast and when to wake the kids if you have them. Set a time frame for every activity so you don’t lose track of time.

Wake Up Early

Make it a habit to set your alarm at least 10 minutes ahead of the time you actually want to wake up. When it sounds, just get up, sit in bed and stretch yourself. Don’t hit the snooze button and continue lolling around – chances are you’ll fall asleep and mess up your schedule. Use the extra time to do some deep breathing or repeat a few affirmations. Listen to some relaxing music or just watch your kids as they sleep.

Move Your Body

Physical activity will help to wake your body and get your circulation going. Get some exercise – go for a jog or a walk around the park, do some stretching exercises or try yoga. Not enough time? At least take the dog for a walk. One of the best ways to get active is to play with your younger kids. Not only is this good exercise, it has other benefits, too. They’ll look forward to it so much that waking them up will no longer be a nightmare. It can also be your slot of quality time with them. Follow this up with a bath – you’ll feel energized and ready for the day.

Feed The Body And Mind

Make time to sit down and have a nourishing breakfast. Make sure you have proteins and fruits in plenty to fortify yourself for the day. Try and make this a family affair – use the time to say cheering things to each other. Don’t use this occasion to nag the kids – you’ll be spoiling their day. Avoid watching television or reading the newspaper – all the negativity in the news will make for a depressing start. Instead, make it a habit to propose an encouraging thought for the day – something for everyone to carry away as they face their day ahead.

Say Goodbye

Make it a daily routine to wish those around you a great day and give them a smile. If they are family members always give them a kiss goodbye before leaving the house. Team it up with a hug and a friendly pat on the shoulder – the joyfulness this generates is the biggest pick-me-up anyone can ever get.

What are your tips to start the day with a smile?